I’ve probably seen all there is to see within this beautiful game of ours.

But I cannot wait to see the many top young players raring to go at this World Cup.

So often in football we see so-called wonderkids billed as the next best this or the next best that.

But, in Brazil right now, are some rising stars who have already done it for their clubs. Now, we are about to see whether they can do it at a major tournament for their countries.

They have the talent, but can they to rise to the challenge of performing at the greatest show on earth? Pele was the first wonderkid way back in 1958 when he shot Brazil to the title, aged just 17. Since then, we’ve had a 20-year-old midfielder called Franz Beckenbauer for West Germany in 1966. Giuseppe Bergomi was only 18 when he played for Italy in 1982 and went on to become a legend. Michael Owen scored that wonder goal against Argentina in 1998.

And Germany’s Thomas Muller won the Golden Boot four years ago, aged just 20.

Not all the candidates will follow in these footsteps. But I can’t wait to see which ones do.

1) Haris Seferovic (Switzerland)

Age 22, Real Sociedad

He has Bosnian parents but chose to play for the country where he was born, causing Edin Dzeko to give him some stick. Seferovic was top scorer in the U17 world championship in Nigeria five years ago. He hasn’t quite fulfilled the potential that he showed then but this could yet be the time that it clicks for him.

Swiss roll: Seferovic was top scorer at the U17 World Championship five years ago (Photo: Getty Images)

2) Juan Fernando Quinter (Colombia)

Age 21, Porto

Small attacking midfielder with a huge amount of talent. Helped Colombia to win their third South American Under-20 title last year and is ready to show the rest of the world that he is ready for the big time.

3) Ricardo Rodriguez (Switzerland)

Age 21, Wolfsburg

A talented left-back who hasn’t yet had the credit he deserves - but he will. Scored three goals at the Under-17 World Cup where he made a bit of a name for himself. Has continued doing well for his country and is one to watch at set-pieces in particular.

4) Raheem Sterling (England)

Age 19, Liverpool

It is a measure of his improvement that he is being seriously talked about as No.10 for England. His speed will terrify defenders. But he now has an end product as well with 10 goals for his club. This is his opportunity to hit the heights on the world stage.

5) Bernard (Brazil)

Aged 21, Shakhtar Donetsk

Another Brazilian attacking midfielder who looks a bit special. His coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, raves about him and has described him as having: “Joy in his legs.” I’m sure quite a few Premier League clubs will be quite keen for him to bring that joy to their clubs after this World Cup.

He has shown us already this season with Everton that he is fearless, talented and in the England squad – possibly even the team – on merit. He’s two-footed, creative and confident in his own ability. Everton could yet be left having to fend off even more interest in him after this World Cup.

7) Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland)

Aged 22, Bayern Munich

He hasn’t been playing regularly at Bayern Munich and this tournament could give him the opportunity to earn his desired move to the Premier League. He’s a left-footed winger with pace, power and excellent vision. From a Swiss point of view, 17 league appearances last season means he will be fresh.

Shaq attack: The Bayern winger has impressed when given the chance (Photo: Getty)

8) Matthew Ryan (Australia)

Aged 22, Club Brugge

This boy could follow in the footsteps of keepers like Mark Bosnich and Mark Schwarzer with a big World Cup. He will obviously be busy in Brazil with Spain, Holland and Chile in Australia’s group. But that might enable us to see the very best of a player who has been doing well in Belgium.

9) Christian Atsu (Ghana)

Aged 22, Chelsea

They rate this lad massively in Ghana – and Chelsea obviously think a fair bit of him too. They snapped him up before sending him out to Vitesse in Holland to continue his education last year. A winger with a lot of pace, close control and a decent finish.

10) James Rodriguez (Columbia)

Aged 22, Monaco

It is quite some testament to this boy’s ability that he is being touted as the natural heir to Carlos Valderrama. He’s a playmaker who scored 10 goals for Monaco last season. Judging by the way that he coped this year, he should be able to handle the increased spotlight.